(Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he had asked parliament to pass a law increasing the use of the Russian national anthem and flag to boost patriotism among young people. In a new appeal to conservative values and voters as he tries to lift his popularity ratings, Putin also criticized the use of foreign words by Russian professionals, saying it was a sign of weakness. Putin said he had sent a bill to parliament, which is dominated by his supporters, which would widen the use of state symbols such as the Russian tricolor in places such as schools…

-Super Typhoon Haiyan — which is one of the strongest storms in world history based on maximum windspeed — is about to plow through the Central Philippines, producing a potentially deadly storm surge and dumping heavy rainfall that could cause widespread flooding. The densely populated city of Manila, home to 12 million, is in the storm’s path, although it is predicted to escape the worst of the winds and storm surge…read more Source: HuffingtonPost

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — At 95 and in frail health, Billy Graham often resists family entreaties to make excursions from his mountaintop home. But the nation’s most famous evangelist is expected to attend a birthday celebration Thursday night that will feature hundreds of well-wishers and what is being characterized as his final sermon. In a video that was recorded over the past year, Graham delivers his familiar message about the saving power of Jesus Christ and expresses concern about the nation’s direction. “Our country’s in great need of a spiritual awakening,” he declares. “There have been times that I’ve wept as…

By ANNE FLAHERTY Associated Press WASHINGTON — It’s not just the federal government intercepting your communications. It could be a nosy relative or jealous partner. Among five individuals added this week to the FBI’s list of most wanted cybercriminals is a former San Diego college student who developed an $89 program dubbed “Loverspy” and “Email PI.” Sold online from his apartment, the program was advertised as a way to catch a cheating lover by sending the person an electronic greeting card that, if opened, would install malicious software that captured emails and instant messages, or even spy on the person…

-Saudi Arabia has invested in Pakistani nuclear weapons projects, and believes it could obtain atomic bombs at will, a variety of sources have told BBC Newsnight. While the kingdom’s quest has often been set in the context of countering Iran’s atomic programme, it is now possible that the Saudis might be able to deploy such devices more quickly than the Islamic republic. Earlier this year, a senior Nato decision maker told me that he had seen intelligence reporting that nuclear weapons made in Pakistan on behalf of Saudi Arabia are now sitting ready for delivery. Last month Amos Yadlin, a…

Syrian troops have retaken a key rebel-held town south of Damascus, state media and activists say. State TV said the army had full control of Sbeineh and that “terrorists” had been driven out. UK-based activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sbeineh was one of the most important rebel positions near Damascus. Meanwhile, inspectors say they have verified one of Syria’s two remaining chemical weapons production sites. Inspectors had already verified 21 out of 23 sites declared by Syria but two sites were too dangerous to reach. They said the latest site – near Aleppo – was verified…